Mixed Signals: Will Sringeri And Dwarka Peeth Shankaracharyas Attend Ayodhya's Ram Temple Consecration?

Ahead of the much-awaited Pran Pratishtha at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing criticism from prominent Sanatan Dharma spiritual leaders for hastening the temple's inauguration. Recently, the top leaders of Sanatan Hindu Dharma or Shankaracharyas have chosen not to participate in the temple's inauguration ceremony, expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived deviation from the principles of Sanatan Dharma.

According to reports, four Shankracharyas are expected to not attend the January 22 Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya.Established by the 8th-century Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya, the monasteries or Mathas known as Joshimath in Uttarakhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, Puri in Odisha, and Sringeri in Karnataka are situated in the North, South, East, and West of India, respectively.

Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, Puri

Swami Nischalanand Saraswati Maharaj, the Shankaracharya of Puri, explained that the decision to skip the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya stems from the departure from established traditions during the installation of the Ram Lalla idol.

"The Shankaracharyas uphold their own dignity. This is not about ego. Are we expected to merely sit outside and applaud when the Prime Minister installs the idol of Ram Lalla? The presence of a 'secular' government does not imply the obliteration of tradition," ANI quoted the Shankaracharya as saying.

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Joshimath

Another Shankaracharya, Avimukteshwaranand, responsible for religious activities and ceremonies in Jyotir Math, Uttarakhand, decided not to attend, stating that the temple's construction does not signify a victory for Sanatan Dharma.

"Ayodhya already had a Ram Mandir before, and its construction isn't a gift or triumph for the religion. Political leaders not going to Ayodhya on January 22 may be due to their political constraints, but no such constraints bind me. When cow slaughter ends in the country, I will visit Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, celebrating with enthusiasm. Since the honourable court's decision, the land belongs to Hindus, and its use or misuse depends on their discretion," ANI quoted Avimukteshwaranand.

Shankaracharya Bharati Teerth, Sringeri

According to some media reports, there are indications that Shankaracharya Bharati Teerth of Sringeri Sharda Peeth may choose not to participate in the ceremony. However, it's noteworthy that recent statements from Sringeri mutt have dismissed media assertions, rejecting claims of expressing dissatisfaction with the pran-pratishtha ceremony.

"...A social media post, which carries a photo of Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peethadheeshwara, His Holiness Paramapujya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, conveys that the Sringeri Shankaracharya, in a message, has expressed displeasure over the Prana-pratishtha. However, the Sringeri Shankaracharya has not given any such message," it said.

However, the release didn't mention whether Shankaracharya Bharati Teerth will attend the ceremony or not.

Despite reports suggesting that all four 'Shankaracharyas' may not be present at the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, the Shankaracharyas of Shringeri and Dwarka Peeth have confirmed their participation in the sacred ceremony scheduled for January 22.

Dwarka peeth Shankaracharya Sadanand Saraswati

Other media reports suggest that Shankaracharya Sadanand Saraswati of Paschimannaya Dwarka Shardapeeth will also not attend the ceremony. However, there is no official confirmation.